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Coconut Papaya Smoothie

Wood cutting board with glasses of our bright and creamy vegan Papaya Detox Smoothie

I’m kind of on a papaya kick, if you haven’t noticed.

Last week I shared my take on a Vegan Papaya Salad (seriously, so good). Last summer I shared my Tropical Papaya Boats (hello fruity dessert heaven). And this week, a papaya smoothie! For not being my #1 favorite fruit, I must admit, papaya is growing on me. I even tried a pomelo this week. Who am I?

Halved papaya for making into a delicious vegan smoothie

This smoothie was inspired by a surplus of papaya after experimenting with my papaya salad. I had some leftover fruit and decided to freeze it, which lends itself perfectly to smoothies. Plus, papaya is incredibly nutritious and detoxifying with tons of vitamin C, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, and folate, among other health benefits.

As always, this recipe is simple, requiring just 6 ingredients, 1 blender, and 5 minutes to prepare.

Frozen papaya and banana make up the creamy, naturally sweet base, while ginger and lime add a balance of zing and acidity. Carrot juice gives it a beautiful orange color and even more nutrients, while coconut milk adds healthy fats and creamy coconut flavor. Major swoon.

Blender with ingredients for making our refreshing Papaya Smoothie recipe

I think you guys are going to LOVE this smoothie! It’s:

Creamy
Fruity
Tropical
Coconut-infused
Slightly tart
Healthy
Simple
& Delicious

If you give this recipe a try, be sure to let us know! Leave a comment it, rate it, and don’t forget to take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with. Cheers, friends!

Glasses of our naturally-sweetened vegan Papaya Detox Smoothie

Print
Glasses filled with our Papaya Detox Smoothie recipe made with coconut milk and lime
4.91 from 10 votes

Coconut Papaya Smoothie

Creamy papaya smoothie infused with lime, ginger, carrot, and coconut milk! Just 6 ingredients in this nutrient-rich, naturally sweetened smoothie - perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 (smoothies)
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Freezer Friendly 1 month
Does it keep? 24 hours.

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen ripe papaya cubes
  • 1 small ripe banana (previously peeled, sliced and frozen)
  • 1-2 tsp minced ginger (to taste)
  • 2 medium limes, juiced (2 limes yield ~1/4 cup or 60 ml)
  • 1/2 cup carrot juice
  • 1/2 cup light coconut milk
  • 1-2 Tbsp agave nectar (optional // or other sweetener of choice)

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth, adding more carrot juice or coconut milk if it has trouble blending.
  2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more banana (or agave) for sweetness, lime for acidity, or ginger for zing.
  3. Enjoy immediately. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 24 hours, or freeze into popsicles for longer term storage.

Notes

*Prep time does not include freezing papaya or banana.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 2 smoothies)

  • Calories: 152
  • Fat: 3.6g
  • Saturated fat: 3g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Carbohydrates: 32.9g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 16.9g
  • Protein: 2.4g
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42 Comments 15 minutes or less, 7 ingredients or less, Beverage, Breakfast, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Fall, Gluten Free, Grain-Free, No Bake, Nut-Free, Oil-Free, One Bowl, Raw, Recipes, Refined Sugar-Free, Smoothie, Snacks, Soy-Free, Vegan

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danaHi, I'm Dana! I am a food stylist, photographer, and author of Everyday Cooking.

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All commentsI made thisQuestions
  1. Avatar for nayananayana says

    September 15, 2019 at 8:49 pm

    it was too good . now it became one of my fav smoothie

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Kate MurphyKate Murphy says

    November 8, 2018 at 8:05 am

    I’m new to the Vitamix life so this might be a silly question but could I throw a chopped up carrot into the mix to sub for carrot juice since I don’t have any on hand? This smoothie looks like lunch today!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for MimiMimi says

    October 24, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    Very interested to try but what can I substitute for banana since I have that allergy? Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 25, 2018 at 8:51 am

      Frozen mango, avocado, or even cauliflower!

      Reply
  4. Avatar for BhavnaBhavna says

    October 4, 2018 at 12:02 am

    I don’t usually do comments but this recipe is soooooo YUMMMMMMMY and will be my smoothie for life! Thank you ??

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 4, 2018 at 6:34 am

      We are so glad you enjoyed it, Bhavna!

      Reply
  5. Avatar for Sarah-Yvette CarlsonSarah-Yvette Carlson says

    March 24, 2018 at 9:04 pm

    Made it!!✨
    I LOVED this smoothie! For those of you looking for papaya, try a Latin/Hispanic grocery store. Plus veggies and fruits are usually less expensive there as well. Idk if it’s the same in other states, but here in Texas they are. Papaya tends to go bad quickly if you don’t eat it rapidly. The “Fiesta” store where I bought mine sold the papaya cut in half for like $2. I used 1/3 of that for the smoothie.
    For the carrots, ginger and lime: I juiced two medium sized carrots and that made 1/2 cup. I juiced about an inch of ginger and 1 lime instead of two.
    For the rest of the ingredients: I used my almond coconut milk and 3 teaspoons of honey. Tossed in half a banana and went a little extra and added about 6 frozen strawberries.
    SO YUM!!!?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      March 25, 2018 at 10:45 am

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the tips as well :D

      Reply
  6. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    February 11, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    Great smoothie! I may have only had coconut cream on hand instead… whoops but ended up very smooth with a nice bite thanks to the ginger! Think I’ll turn the rest into desert “creamsicles” for dessert! Also, made it with lemon instead of lime and turned out delish!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    July 10, 2017 at 6:37 am

    In Dominican Republic, papaya (lechosa) smoothie is very common and so delicious. We typically just do papaya, milk, ice, and sugar. Some people add nutmeg or cinnamon, but it really doesn’t need it. I am interested in making a vegan option perhaps with full coconut milk to lend to the rich creamy texture, but I fear the flavor will not be the same. Suggestions?

    Reply
    • Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

      February 11, 2018 at 12:08 pm

      It’s sooo yummy! I made it with coconut cream and lemon as that’s all I had on hand xD happy blending!

      Reply
  8. Avatar for JanetJanet says

    October 13, 2016 at 11:45 am

    A perfect blend of complex flavors! Creamy, tart – yet sweet & exotic. I love fresh papaya fruit with lime squeezed over it — but the addition of coconut & ginger take the experience to a whole new level. The carrot juice imparts an awesome color. Very balanced. Great job! I used a tablespoon of raw honey & it was just right as my papaya was not overly sweet.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for RaeRae says

    May 20, 2016 at 10:01 am

    Super yummy! There was a bunch of leftover papaya at a pool party earlier this week so I took it home and froze it, not knowing what to do with it. I looked up papaya on your website, found this recipe, and made smoothies this morning. SO GOOD! I didn’t add any sweetener and I thought it was plenty sweet on its own, so for out there who don’t have huge sweet toothes, I would say stay away from any additional sweetener.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      May 20, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      Yay! Thanks for sharing, Rae!

      Reply
  10. Avatar for PriscillaPriscilla says

    April 2, 2016 at 7:18 am

    This was amazing, this has become my fav smoothie at first sip, i added oatmeal to give it another twist (and so it can keep me full on my busy mornings)
    i give this a 10/10

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Janet @ HealthoopJanet @ Healthoop says

    March 2, 2016 at 12:27 am

    Looks delicious, Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes.

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Ana @ AnaAna @ Ana's Rocket Ship says

    February 28, 2016 at 1:02 am

    Mmmm…. I’ve never tried pomelo. I’m not even sure I’ve seen one… Luckily I know that I will be able to get my hands on a papaya!!! Cause…. yes. (although the carrot juice may be a problem!)

    Reply
  13. Avatar for NoelNoel says

    February 22, 2016 at 10:17 am

    Can I sub the coconut milk for young coconut water?

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Lauren DeeganLauren Deegan says

    February 20, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    I am going to recommend this to my sister, she has been wanting to make a smoothie and this looks amazing. Thanks.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for SherrySherry says

    February 15, 2016 at 9:00 pm

    Made this as written and it was sooo good! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for JanJan says

    February 6, 2016 at 7:54 am

    Just made this smoothie. Wow! So delicious. Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes. Can’t wait for your book which we pre-ordered.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for AnnaAnna says

    January 25, 2016 at 7:30 am

    Dana, if I am allergic to bananas, what can I substitute them with to get the same consistency?

    Reply
    • Avatar for TejalTejal says

      February 9, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      I wanted to ask this question, too! Not sure if just adding more papaya will mess up the balance of the flavors?

      Reply
  18. Avatar for ErinErin says

    January 24, 2016 at 11:11 am

    This was so delicious, thank you!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for CynthiaCynthia says

    January 23, 2016 at 9:39 am

    Wow! I am really impressed with this recipe. I’m not a papaya fan at all, but I wanted to give it a fair try as a smoothie ingredient. Blended with the other ingredients, it was wonderful! I will definitely make these again.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for sisters, jeans & messy bunssisters, jeans & messy buns says

    January 22, 2016 at 10:35 am

    This sounds Great! :D

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Cecilie @A Story of FreedomCecilie @A Story of Freedom says

    January 19, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Hi Dana

    I enjoy your recipes a lot! I am working on “top 5 smoothies” article on my site where I collect smoothie recipes from several sites. I do not share the recipe, but I share that it is a great recipe and link back to the original site. I would love to add this smoothie to the list. For that, I would love to use one of your pictures, clearly stating that the picture is yours, with a link back to the original article. Would that be okay?

    Thank you!
    Cecilie

    Reply
  22. Avatar for GillianGillian says

    January 16, 2016 at 7:36 am

    I love lovee Papayas! I’m definitely going to give this a try! Looks delicious!! I recently made a Papaya smoothie recipe to ;)

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Julie:)Julie:) says

    January 14, 2016 at 7:48 pm

    Yum yum!!!!!!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for NikkiNikki says

    January 13, 2016 at 7:39 am

    This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing :)

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Celeste @The Whole ServingCeleste @The Whole Serving says

    January 13, 2016 at 7:30 am

    Looks so delicious! I’ve been drinking lots of fresh pressed juice and juice smoothies lately after indulging in holiday goodies. Great way to clean and detox.
    Thanks for this awesome recipe.

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Emilie @ Emilie EatsEmilie @ Emilie Eats says

    January 13, 2016 at 6:49 am

    I could drink about 5 of these smoothies right now. They look so damn refreshing! Seriously Dana, can I just be your intern this summer? #goals

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      January 14, 2016 at 4:21 pm

      Ha! OK ;D

      Reply
  27. Avatar for Michelle @ Modern AcupunctureMichelle @ Modern Acupuncture says

    January 13, 2016 at 3:53 am

    This sounds (and looks!) spectacular! I love that you added carrot juice. Never would have thought of that!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Madeline @ TeenMadeline @ Teen's Tasty Eats says

    January 13, 2016 at 3:38 am

    This sounds so refreshing, delicious, and light! Love the coconut!! I’m a fan of smoothies so I’ll have to make this one soon!!! Thanks Dana!!

    – Madeline<3

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Mel @ The RefreshanistaMel @ The Refreshanista says

    January 12, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    Such a beautiful colour! Especially against that minty teal background :) I tried papaya once and wasn’t too into it but this smoothie looks like it’s full of flavour so I’m going to give papaya another try!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Amanda | The Cinnamon ScrollsAmanda | The Cinnamon Scrolls says

    January 12, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    I have to admit, I’ve never had papaya. I know! Shock, horror! But this smoothie looks so refreshing and colourful that I just may have to walk myself over to the store and grab one. I love the addition of lime, ginger, and coconut too! Sounds delicious!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for PoshnessaryPoshnessary says

    January 12, 2016 at 10:42 am

    Great recipe. Need to try this!!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Nicole @ Young, Broke and HungryNicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says

    January 12, 2016 at 10:00 am

    The bright orange of the smoothie is giving me some longing pains for summer.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Megan @ Skinny FitaliciousMegan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    January 12, 2016 at 7:25 am

    Oh this sounds like heaven! I don’t eat enough papaya. That needs to change!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Emily @ Robust RecipesEmily @ Robust Recipes says

    January 12, 2016 at 7:20 am

    This smoothie looks delicious. Unfortunately I rarely see papaya in our grocery store :(. If I ever do, I will snag it and make this smoothie!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Tom ~ Raise Your GardenTom ~ Raise Your Garden says

      January 13, 2016 at 4:52 am

      I never even think to look for papaya in our grocery store!!! That’s gonna change internet friends. Gonna look now. I’m the smoothie man in our house, wife cooks, but I make the smoothies. Too $$$$ to buy out. Anyhow, I didn’t know papaya had that much Vitamin C. WE are stocking on on VC these days to ward off flu and colds!

      Reply

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